Joining the library

It is free to become a member of Birmingham Libraries. Download and read the membership terms and conditions.

Apply online to become a member

You can become a member by completing the online registration form below.

Register as a member of Birmingham Libraries

After completing the online registration form, take your selfreg number and proof of address to your nearest Birmingham library to collect your membership card.

You do not need to live in Birmingham to join our libraries.

How you can access our eLibrary

You can also sign up to borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers, which you can download to your computer, smartphone or tablet. To sign up, you must:

  • have registered as a member of Birmingham Libraries
  • live in Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull or Walsall

If you only need access to our eLibrary, complete the online registration form and email us at enquiries@libraryofbirmingham.com with your selfreg number. We will then create an Overdrive account for you.

Become a member in person

You can join us at any public library in Birmingham.

At the Library of Birmingham, you can use our self-service information points, which are a quick and easy way to become a library member.

You will usually be able to borrow books and music recordings straight away. You can use your library card at all public libraries in Birmingham.

Junior membership

You can become a member at any age - the younger, the better!

If you are under 16, you will need to ask a parent, guardian or adult family member to register on your behalf at your local library. They can do this by completing the paper registration form or the online registration form.

We will then give you a free library card which you can use straight away.

What you need to bring with you when you join

If you are 16 or over, you must provide one proof of name and address. If you are a student studying in Birmingham, you must provide proof of both your home address and your temporary address.

If you already have a library card, then there is no need for you to rejoin. If your account has expired, you will need to present your existing card and one of the proofs of identity listed below.

You must let us know if you move or change any of your details.

Some details can be changed online, but a change of address must be done at your local library as proof of your new address has to be shown.

Acceptable proofs of identity

Items marked * must be no more than two months old.

  • Driving licence
  • Medical card
  • Bank statement*
  • Water bill*
  • Rent book
  • Council tax book
  • Tenancy agreement
  • Gas bill*
  • Electricity bill*
  • Telephone bill*
  • Credit card bill*
  • Charge card bill*
  • Other official letters*
  • TV licence

Electronic identification will be accepted where:

  • you have requested to receive the indentifying document or bill in electronic form
  • and you show that it is from an official site - for example from the Department for Work and Pensions or a utility company.

We do not accept an electronic version of a driving licence or passport as these are not issued electronically.


Page last updated: 30 October 2024

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